Ellon secure important win over Kemnay

Published:13:28Saturday 10 November 2012

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ELLON recorded a fine 2-0 home win over bottom dogs Kemnay Youth in a Division 1 North league game on Saturday.

Both Bain and Dempster returned to the starting line up after missing out last week and Greig Cumming took over between the sticks for the absent Dickinson. All hoping to put in performances which would see them keep the jersey for next week’s Scottish Cup game.

Ellon set off on the front foot right from the word go with a powerful effort from centre half Wilson just going over. Then Anderson started raiding forward from left back and keeper Lorimer did well to hold one of his solo efforts and he also saved from Bain who had been setup by Anderson.

After about 10 minutes Ellon should have gone ahead when a Scott Morrison cross was met by the head of Barrett five yards out but his effort went straight into the keeper’s hands.

Ellon really were forcing the pace and Laird and Bain both had good chances to score the opener.

Although the home side had all the play they could not afford any complacency and they had a couple of warnings as first Anderson made a great last-ditch tackle to deny Webster then Wilson blocked a shot from Campbell.

Campbell had another opportunity for the visitors when he had a free header inside the Ellon box but his effort on goal went wide.

Ellon then spurned two glorious chances when Laird missed his header completely from just in front of goal and then Bain squared to Barrett six yards out but the striker did not seem to be expecting the pass and he could not sort out his feet and get a strike away.

So regardless of almost total possession of the ball Ellon had nothing to show for their first half efforts.

Kemnay came out for the second period obviously having been fired up by their management team during the interval and they two great chances early in the half. Firstly Webster sent in a great cross but Nicol missed the ball in front of goal then Thomson set up Anderson but he sent his header over.

An acrobatic effort by Ellon’s Hamilton saw his overhead kick jus being tipped over by Lorimer. But Ellon were not to be denied when a great cross by Scott Morrison found Bain at the far post and he controlled well and fired the ball home between the keeper and the post to put Ellon ahead after 13 minutes of the half.

The home side really set about the visitors with Anderson playing in some clever balls and Bain having a couple of shots saved.

But with 15 minutes to go Ellon finally got the second goal which gave them some breathing space.

A good ball by Wilson found Bain lurking inside the box and he beat two defenders and his well struck effort was only partially stopped by Lorimer and the ball ended up in the net.

Kemnay still had some fight left in them and Laird had to look sharp to deny Nicol with a great block. The home side needed a third just to make sure and they came close when Wilson flashed a header wide from a Thomson cross.

Watson’s searing pace was soon to the fore and a rampaging run saw him set up Thomson but his shot was saved.

Another lung-bursting run from the winger saw him get a strike away himself but again Lorimer was up to the task in the Kemnay goal.

Taylor replaced Dempster with five minutes left as Ellon looked to consolidate their victory.

This was a game that Ellon had to win if they were to stay above the relegation battle especially given that a lot of teams below them in the league have played less games. Prolific striker James Bain added another two to his tally for the season and always looked the most likely to score.

A thoroughly deserved win and a decent performance all round but it has to be remembered that Kemnay are propping up the league.

Ellon’s next game will be in the Scottish Cup third round at Monifieth Tayside where they will hope to get into the fourth round for the first time in their history.